The Portland daily press., 1887-04-14


interesting essay on the value of these Christian
Associations. In regard to the work of the
Portland Association the past year, Mr.. Winter
says two hundred and four religious meetings
have been held at the Association rooms, and
twenty-f0ur In other places. The following meet
lngs were held at the rooms: 81 meetings for
men only, 81 boys meetings, 81 meetings for all
classes, and A. sessions of the Bible class for the
study OF the International Sunday-school lessons.
Meetings were held outside the rooms as follows:
~ at the jail, three at the Maine General HOspi-
tai and seven on board the Flagship Tennessee of
the North Atlantic Squadron, while in our port
last July and August. Letters were received ex-
pressye of the value Of the work of the Association
from Rev. Dr. McLaren, chaplain of the North
Atlantic Squadron and others. The Bible class,
LED by the various city pastors has done admira-
pie work. There have been several conversions
s ana many requests for prayers; Over 100 Bibles,
uted, and rs visits made to sick young men and
boys, and watchers, flowers and delicacies pro-
yided for them. Personal work is urged upon the
other members by the secretary.
The boys work has gone on with good effect.
Since october, 1888 the membership has reached
1928. The boys have been taught to abstain
from the cruel vices that beset the young, and
some have been converted and become church
members
The Boys Literary Society has formed Itself in
10 legislative body and will study the science Of
legislation. Portland, though tenth on the list in
point OF date in the Boys work among other
associations, has yet outstripped many Of the old
er ones in membership and good results. The
secretary wishes he had space and time to speak
OF the growing evils Of cigarette smoking, dime
mitted by boys Of tender years. He notes that Of
the 2O9S arrests in this city last year, 244 of
minors. The secretary would recommend re-
vision of the boys work, the adoption of a con-
stitutiOn, and an annual fee, amounting to one
half that paid by the Association, and when boys
become eligible for membership in the Associa-
ton, they be admitted on payment of the differ
enee in fees. Arrangements ought to be made for
evening classes for boys who do not have the adj
vantages of the day schools. There are many
such employed in stores, sofices, and factories In
short, the Boys Department should be, as far as
possible, a miniature of the General Associa-
ton.
The Ladies' Auxiliary has been of immense
value to the Association. The annual report OF
the Society was made at the annual meeting,
January 3lst 1887, and published at the time.
= ne report OF the treasurer shows the receipts
ior me past year, from fees, dues, donations col
hieGIions at meetings, Woman's Auxiliary, rent OF
nan, etc, to be S399s "a, and disbursements for
rem r ana water TAX salaries, lighting heating re-
pairs PACK Dlls, lecture course advertising, etc,
70 pc S59o5; 99, leaving balance in the treasury
OF $3.50. There are outstanding bills of be-
tween two and an 4, three hundred dollars This I'M
depression in business circles and the loss on the
lecture course.
The membership of the Association is as fol.
lows; 687 male members, not counting those